Le Studio Perdu brings the overshadowed female figures out into the light. Behind the household names of, for instance, Auguste Rodin, Pablo Picasso, and Edward Hopper are Camille Claudel, Françoise Gilot, Dora Maar, and Josephine Hopper. These women, unappreciated during their time, are remarkable artists in their own right. In the present day, it is important to give prominence to these names and celebrate their significant contributions. Many of the modern artists within the movement have taken it upon themselves to challenge and reframe art history, reshaping our understanding of femininity and its portrayal in the art world – Marie Pop has joined this ride.
Prior to the movement, female figures were merely known for the association with their overshadowing male counterparts. One of the most tragic stories barely told was that of Camille Claudel, an assistant who was to be a lover of Rodin. Sakountala, featured in Le Studio Perdu series, is one of the masterful sculptures by Claudel. Marie Pop’s work encapsulates both the essence of the female artist and the creative process behind Claudel’s masterpiece. In the case of Claudel, her life story resonates with the experiences of many women, both in her time and unfortunately, even today. One can sadly say that it remains as such for many women even today. More often than not, as with Claudel, we still hear about abusive relationships and power dynamics where males assume a position of “superiority” and females are seen as “subordinate.” Likewise, the ongoing challenges of limited opportunities reflect Claudel’s own struggle to achieve recognition as a female artist.